Wells is about to see — and hear — portraiture in a whole new way.

A powerful new exhibition opens at The Bishop's Palace and Gardens on 29 September, showcasing "sound portraits" of 23 local people, created live through music instead of paint.

The sitters, from Wells and Shepton Mallet, simply turned up and sat in silence as musicians from Epiphany Music, working with Flock arts group, composed a piece of music in real time to capture their mood, presence and personality. No brushes, no canvas — just instruments, emotion and nerve.

"It was a privilege about which I have not stopped talking," said one participant. Another called the experience "healing", "restorative" and "inspirational".

Siobhan Goodwin, Community Engagement Manager at the Palace, said: "It was a joy to watch people open themselves to such a new and creative form of portraiture. The music brought something deeply personal to each sitter."

The exhibition is included with admission to the Palace. Visitors can listen to the portraits and experience how sound alone can reveal character, feeling and connection.

• Wells nursery rated 'Good' by Ofsted in glowing report
• Wells Community Network awarded £243,757 National Lottery grant

Sign up to our free local newsletter – Our top stories in your inbox every Friday.